Pottsville head coach Wes McCrotty isn’t exactly sure what it is, but he knows he can count on it to help the Apaches win games.

“Out of uniform he’s kind of a free spirit,” McCrotty said. “Kind of happy-go-lucky, but it’s almost like he lives for (baseball) when the lights come on.”

In 10 games Schrepfer, who did not start until this year, has stolen 15 bases, hit four doubles, walked seven times and is 1-0 from the mound with one complete game. Schrepfer has spent games as both the Apaches’ lead-off hitter and hitting clean-up.

He’s done it all, and all with a smile on.

“He’s just come out in this year and proven himself,” McCrotty said. “He’s done a good job taking the roles given to him and just running with it. He does the little things that turn into big things and does everything he can to put us in a position to win.

“You’ll see him in the field on defense making diving catches and making players in the gap. You’ll also see him laying down a bunt. He’s always looking to create energy.”

Schrepfer can’t remember a time he wasn’t playing baseball and for most of his life he’s been playing with the boys on the current Pottsville roster.

“I love my teammates to death. I’ve grown up with them almost my entire life, and we’ve been playing baseball together the entire time,” he said.

Schrepfer’s love for his team doesn’t go one way. When Schrepfer talks, the team listens.

“Our guys listen to him and flock to him,” McCrotty explained. “He has the type of personality, when he talks people want to listen to him. You can see him instructing the younger players on why we do some of the things we do, and then when they watch him out there giving it his all, I think it makes them want to listen to him.”

Midway through the season Pottsville is 7-3 with aspirations of making the Class 4A state tournament. Easier said than done, but Schrepfer said he is prepared to do his part.

“I just try and give it my all,” he said. “And that’s all I want anyone else to do. I try and push everyone to their limits and try and get them to give it more. Personally, I go out there every day and do that, too.”

“Blayze’s hard work is paying off,” McCrotty added. “We want it to continue, obviously. We’re only halfway through the season so we want him to continue with what he’s doing so we can continue to have success.”

Schrepfer said his favorite way to contribute was probably defensively. Both he and McCrotty mentioned the senior’s tendency to make diving catches or catches in the gap.

“I’ve always been able to get good reads off the bat,” Schrepfer said. “It’s just something that comes natural, I’ve always been able to do that.”

He also enjoys a stolen base every now and then. With 15 stolen bases in 10 games it’s evident it’s a pleasure he partakes in often.

“It’s not my speed that does it for me,” he elaborated. “It’s a good read off the batter, or watching for when the pitcher lifts his leg. You really have to focus on that pitcher.”

In the final months of his senior year, Schrepfer said he plays with a sense of urgency. It’s his last chance at the high school level, and because you can never know when an injury might happen, each game could be his last. Each game, no matter the opponent, is important, Schrepfer said.

Schrepfer and the Apaches will play at Ozark at 1 p.m. Saturday. Pottsville’s conference opener is at 5 p.m. Tuesday against the Dardanelle Sand Lizards at Merritt Park in Dardanelle.